CEO in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Singh is has been embroiled in controversy for the past three months. First he tangled with FECTAB and was taken to task for characterizing small tour guides as talking because of a hungry belly. And then, he was accused of having an "in" on the land deal giving rise to a proposed cruise tourism port in Placencia. And sources say he has also feuded with the BTB board of directors.
And with all that, Singh has decided to move on - making room for a new CEO in the ministry of tourism - and a resulting cascade of changes in the Tourism Board.
The new configuration was announced today. Minister Manuel Heredia Jr says the choices were made with an eye to position Belize among the first choices in world travel:
Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism
"I would first like to mention the appointment of Mr. Lindsay Garbutt to Chief Executive Officer in the ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, a few all may know that Mr. Garbutt has serve the board honorably as a director and founder and representative and most recently as the chairman of the board for the past 8 months. With that appointment I am please to introduce to you the new chair of the Belize tourism board directors Mrs. Mariam Robertson, Mrs. Robertson has serve with great and distinction on our board of directors for the past 2 years. Lastly filling Mr. Garbutt's on the board. I am happy to announce and welcome Mr. Brian Young from Placencia. Mr. Young has been involve in the tourism industry for most his life as one of Belize top dive master and owner of Seahorse Dive shop, his love for the sea has translated into significant contributions to the development of tourism and marine conservation in southern Belize for more than a decade."
Andrea Polanco
"What are some of your plans in maintaining the work that he has been doing and en-forging ahead in the tourism industry."
Lindsay Garbutt, CEO BTB
"One of the beauty of it is that CEO Singh will not be leaving Belize, he will be working in investment, I think about 80% of the investment that BELTRAIDE works with has to do with tourism, so we are going to continue working together."
Andrea Polanco
"What's your take on cruise tourism as it relates to Placencia Village?"
Lindsay Garbutt, CEO BTB
"I am from Monkey River which means that I spent a good part of my life growing up in that area. I believe that the people of Placencia have been given the respect to determine what it is that they want to see in terms of development in their community and that is the sum total of my opinion, the people of Placencia who have invested in tourism over the years both local and people who have come in really must be given the right to help to determine how their community develops. "
Newly Appointed members will assume office on January 1, 2011.
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